Athlete – Basketball
Anthony “Tony” D. Wilson was born on April 7, 1961, in Fayette County to Shirley Wilson and William Davidson. Tony spent his early years living in the Bracktown Community before moving to Georgetown, Ky. In Georgetown, Tony fell in love with football and started playing on the Little League team and played football throughout his junior high school years. The pivotal point which led Tony to playing basketball was breaking his wrist while playing football. This injury motivated him to play basketball for Scott County Junior High School.
During his ninth grade year, Tony moved back to Lexington, and basketball was now his passion. He played for the Leestown Chargers. Tony’s passion, drive, and tenacity were developed on a “dirt” basketball court as he played against his cousin Elton Bailey. Tony attended and played basketball during his high school years for the Lafayette Generals under the tutelage and coaching of Jock Sutherland. In 1978-79, Tony earned First Team All-City and honorable mention All-State honors. During his senior year, Lafayette won the 1979 KHSAA Sweet 16 State Championship and ended the season ranked second in the nation. Tony was named to the First Team All-State and KHSAA All-Tournament teams, scoring a tournament-leading 72 points and grabbing 58 rebounds in four games. During this storybook season, Tony was also named to the 1979 Louisville Invitational All-Tournament Team, Frankfort Invitational All-Tournament Team, Fayette County Invitational All-Tournament Team, and the 11th Region and 43rd District All-Tournament teams. He was the second leading scorer and top rebounder for Lafayette, helping lead them to a 36-1 record. Tony also played in the 1979 Derby City Classic and won the one-on-one contest, beating future NBA great Dominique Wilkins in the finals.
After graduating from Lafayette in 1979, Tony earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Western Kentucky University. Playing for coaches Gene Keady and Clem Haskins, Tony earned Freshmen First Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors. During the 1980-81 season, Tony was the Hilltoppers’ leading scorer and second leading rebounder, earning him Second Team All-OVC honors. In 1982-83, Tony earned Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors, once again leading WKU in scoring and rebounding. At the end of his college career, Tony was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics and played under Coach Lenny Wilkens. He also played in the PUSH Excel NBA Rookies vs. NBA All Stars game.
Tony has long served his community. He became the Urban Director with Young Life, and later helped develop Urban Impact in Lexington, Ky. Tony has won awards for his community involvement. He is a Kentucky Colonel, and he received an award for his work with the Gainesway Community Empowerment Center. Tony also formed his own youth ministry, Movement Ministry and has trained and developed numerous youth workers. Tony received his Certificate of Ordination in July 2000. He co-pastors Movement Ministry House of Miracles Worship Center with his wife Wanda Meaux Wilson. Tony is the proud father of four children: Anthony, Marques, Tanisha, and Jordan.
